ABATE of Maryland, Inc.
Legislative History

Legislative Session 2016

Helmet Law Modification Bill:http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2016RS/bills/hb/hb0559F.pdf
This bill, with a lead sponsor and 30 co-sponsors, failed in committee by a vote of 18-6. The bill would have allowed helmet choice for adult motorcycle operators at least 21 years old with either 2 years riding experience or the satisfactory completion of an approved motorcycle safety course. Any operator under 21 would be required to wear a DOT compliant helmet. Passengers over 21 would be permitted helmet choice if the operator qualified for choice.

Motorcycle EMT Unit Prince George’s County:http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2016RS/bills/hb/hb1199f.pdf
This bill was supported by ABATE and would have authorized an EMT motorcycle unit in Prince George’s county. The concept was that a properly equipped motorcycle operated by an Emergency Medical Technician could arrive at many calls well in advance of a regular EMT ambulance. The bill did not get a vote.

Autocycle bill:http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2016RS/Chapters_noln/CH_231_sb0774t.pdf
This bill, which was passed and signed by the Governor, authorizes a new style of motor vehicle in Maryland known as an “Autocycle”. This bill required a good bit of work on the part of ABATE to protect motorcyclist’s rights with regard to how Autocycles will impact motorcycling. Autocycles have side by side seating, a steering wheel, 2 wheels in front and one drive wheel in the rear, and by law will require the operator and passenger to wear helmets and seat belts. They will have motorcycle tags but will have their own body style classification for statistical purposes.

This vehicle is built to motorcycle safety standards but is in reality the front half of a car without the car safety features. We did not want the crash statistics to negatively impact motorcycling and our ability to lobby on behalf of motorcyclists. ABATE representatives worked with the bill sponsors, the MVA, and the representatives of Polaris, who produce the most well known Autocycle and were leading the drive to legalize them, to find the most acceptable language to all concerned.

Bill to restrict child passengers on motorcycles:http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2016RS/bills/sb/sb0164f.pdf
This bill would have would have made it illegal for any child under 10 years old to ride on a motorcycle in Maryland. This law would have applied to private property as well as public roads. ABATE does not believe it is the state’s responsibility to be the parent and that the decision of when to allow your child to ride, as long as it is safe for them to do so, should rest with the parent. ABATE lobbied strongly against this bill and saw it receive an unfavorable report in committee which stopped the bill.

There was also language in the bill about the passenger, if between 10 and 12 years old, being able to rest their feet on the footrests. ABATE will look over this and consider it in future legislation. While ABATE does not appreciate undue restrictions and interference on personal freedoms we do understand safety is key will work on language to address the issue.

Motorcycle profiling:http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2016RS/Chapters_noln/CH_542_sb0233t.pdf
This bill was requested by the Coalition of Clubs with ABATE’s endorsement and support. The bill requires all police agencies in Maryland to receive training at both the entry level and in-service to understand what constitutes profiling of motorcyclists and how to avoid profiling of individuals based on the fact that they wear motorcycle related clothing or paraphernalia and/or ride a motorcycle.

This bill passed and was signed into law with only one no vote.

Legislative Session 2015

Motorcycle only checkpoints- House Bill 917 – Passed
Sponsored by Delegate Ben Kramer passed the General Assembly and is now waiting for the Governor’s signature to become law. This bill, effective Oct 1, will make motorcycle only checkpoints illegal in Maryland.

Speeding fines – Withdrawn by Sponsor
A bill to double the fines for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40MPH which applied to ONLY motorcycles was withdrawn by the sponsor after several weeks of negotiations by ABATE representatives.

Create a motorcycle EMT unit in Prince George’s County – Withdrawn by Sponsor
While we did not request this bill ABATE supported this bill with testimony. The bill was withdrawn by the sponsor because they said it was too costly. We disagree and will work to see this bill brought up again next year.

Legislative Session 2014

The bill to stop motorcycle only checkpoints, while not passed, gained momentum

Legislative Session 2013

Handicapped tags for motorcycles- This successful 2nd attempt at this law permits up to 2 handicapped tags on motorcycles in addition to one on a car when the rider meets the requirements for handicapped tags. Until this law a person was only allowed one “hard” tag and a placard for the disabled.

Legislative Session 2009

Legislative Session 2008

Auxiliary lighting – Passed
This bill, which passed in the first attempt, allowed certain accent lighting on motorcycles to increase nighttime visibility, was well received, and ABATE was commended for bringing the safety aspects of this issue to the General assemblyMotorcycle tag sizing – Passed
Motorcycle tag size standardization- Until this bill passed Maryland was one of only 3 states which did not have the standard sized motorcycle tag. Ours was oversized and did not fit stock brackets on motorcycles. This bill reduced the size of our tags to come in line with 47 other states.Definition of a Motorcycle – Passed
Legal Definition of a motorcycle- this bill officially changed the definition to allow motorcycles with two
wheels on the front to accommodate the new style that was developed.Helmet Law Modification – Did not pass

Legislative Session 2007

Right of Way Violation Penalties-After several years of trying, and the death of then State Director Marty Schultz by a right of way violator, the bill to increase penalties for right of way violations to $1,000 and 180 day loss of license was passed and enacted. ABATE is constantly working to improve and enhance this bill.
Helmet Law – Did not pass

Legislative Session 2006

Helmet Law – Did not pass
Right-of-Way Violation Penalties – Did not pass

Legislative Session 2005

Helmet Law – Did not pass
Right-of-Way Violation Penalties – Did not pass

Legislative Session 2000

Helmet Law – Did not pass
MTAG
Letter to MTA regarding MTAG (electronic toll collection)(January 12, 2000)
MTAG Notice to all Motorcyclists (September, 1999) The quality of the scanned image is not good and the flyer can be difficult to read. If you would like a copy sent to you from MTA call 1-888-321-MTAG and ask for the ‘Notice To All Motorcyclists’.